The fall season marks the beginning of cold weather for many in the United States. With the drop in temperature comes a variety of autumn ailments — some that are deadly. But preparation and awareness can keep your health intact. (Thinkstock/Altrendo Images)

Autumn supplies more than just falling leaves and dropping temperatures. The change of seasons from summer to fall also brings changes to your health.

“Fall and winter are the peak times for many viral illnesses, particularly influenza,” Brett Johnson, MD, a family medicine specialist at Methodist Charlton Medical Center in Dallas, told Weather.com. “Viruses are easily transmitted between people and are particularly dangerous for the elderly, the very young and those with lowered immune systems.”

The cold weather can suppress your immune system — increasing your susceptibility to infections, according to Harvard Medical School.

But other factors, such as poor preparation, also share the blame for the spread of these infections.

“To avoid these illnesses, seeing your physician early if flu symptoms arise can shorten the duration of the disease because of anti-viral medications,” said Dr. Johnson. “Good hand washing is important to decrease transmission of viruses. Most importantly, getting the flu vaccine is strongly recommended.”

As the season change, checking the forecast and always dress appropriately can help prevent illnesses. Die-hard fans of shorts and T-shirts increase their risk of getting sick if they continue to dress for summer well into fall, according to the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Preventing other fall conditions — like seasonal affective disorder and Raynaud’s phenomenon — might not be as easy, but preparation is still important.

What illnesses should you be on the lookout for this fall? Click through the slideshow above to find out.

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